Numerical Simulation of Multi-Water-Source Artificial Recharge of Aquifer: A Case Study of the Mi-Huai-Shun Groundwater Reservoir

Abstract

Artificial recharge is an effective way to alleviate water shortages and excessive groundwater exploitation. In this study, to explore environmental changes of surface water and groundwater during multi-water-sources recharge process, numerical simulation method was applied. Local reclaimed water, treated by wetland, and water from the South-to-North Water Transfer Project (SNWTP) were used to recharge groundwater reservoir in Mi-Huai-Shun District (Miyun District, Huairou District and Shunyi District). The Flow Model results showed that the accumulated loss of the groundwater resource in the Mi-Huai-Shun area from 2007 to 2016 reached – 1.784 × 109 m3. All the water sources contribute to the recharge of groundwater, raising the groundwater level and increasing the groundwater reserves. Meanwhile, the Solute Transport Model results show that different water source has different effects on the local groundwater environment. chloride concentration of reclaimed water source and wetland water source are higher than groundwater, and the artificial recharge caused the chloride concentration of groundwater in receiving area to rise. The water from the SNWTP played an important role on reducing chloride concentration due to dilution. In addition, Multi-Water-Source artificial recharge is also related to the local hydrogeological conditions. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the impact of multi-water-source recharge on groundwater quantity and quality.